In one of the hardest fought derbies across the six seasons of the Bathurst rivalry the Giants pulled away during a strong last quarter to win 11-10-76 to 9-9-63 at George Park 2.

Giants went into the last term holding a small four point advantage, having turned around a half-time deficit of the same margin, and went on to outscore the Bushrangers four goals to two for the remainder of the derby.

The Giants claimed three wins in their four games against the Bushrangers back in 2019 when their rivals were split into the Outlaws and Rebels teams but couldn't take down a combined Bushrangers squad in their four meetings across 2020.

Giants coach Mark Kennedy said Saturday latest encounter was a fantastic performance from his side across all facets of the game.

"To come away with a win at their home ground was a great win for us and a big step forward for the club," he said.

"I'd said before the game it was going to be a good litmus test to see where we were as a team. All we wanted to do was compete, and I thought we competed really well.

"I think we controlled the contested football a little bit better than what they did and we were a little bit cleaner around the ground and it paid dividends.

"We controlled the football better towards the end and in the last two minutes we played good tempo football and controlled the ball across the back line."

Kennedy said the team's rotations are big positive early in the season.

"I think their regular ruckman was out and we had Jack Goodsell in, who's our top ruckman at the moment, and then Sam Sloan came out to give him a break every now and then," he said.

"It's great having two talls so we can rotate through the forward line, and they're both dangerous in the ruck and heading forward.

"I thought the delivery out of our midfield was really good and a few of our new guys really stood up for us. Pat Monaghan and Leigh Monaghan and Bryce Cross played really well for us.

"Our player's player was Liam Cooke who did a great job in both the forward and back line. Wherever you put him he just contested well."

Giants now move to the top of the ladder and remain the only unbeaten team through the opening two rounds.

They had started their season with a 103-point victory over the Dubbo Demons.

"Our club culture's in a really good spot at the moment and the guys are really gelling together," Kennedy said.

"They do understand though that you don't win premierships in May, you win them in September. We'll just keep making sure that we're sticking to our game plan, winning that contested football and using it as quickly as we can."

Leigh Monaghan led the way for the Giants with four goals while Sloan finished with three.

Giants will travel to face the Orange Tigers next round as they chase an early sweep against all three of their tier one rivals.

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